Wednesday, September 28, 2011

"When are you coming?" The voice on the other end sounded doubtful. We had been playing 'phone tag for a while, different circumstances had stalled our plan to buy and drop off shoes for children and young adults residing in a homeless shelter in Brooklyn. We had finally carved out a day and time that was convenient for all of us and we shopped with the help of the store clerk until we had picked out 55 pairs of shoes in different styles, ready to be fitted on the feet of those deserving boys and girls in waiting.

Our hands are tired, walking from the store to the subway. It was not a long distance but we were laden down with a number of heavy bags filled with shoes. We boarded the M train for the ride to Brooklyn, luckily the train was practically empty. There was enough room to lay our bags down and we tied them securely to prevent losing any of our 'treasures.'

Seated and spread out, having a better grip on our goods, we began to concentrate on where we were heading. When we finally reached our stop, we hopped off the subway, bags in tow, not knowing whether to turn left or right. We finally reached our destination, happy to give our hands a rest and declared"we are here."

The Director and her assistant to whom care of these children is entrusted, greeted us filled with gratitude for this small deed made possible by CHOOSE TO CARE AND FRIENDS. That old familiar saying "where there is a will there is a way," came to mind as I mentally prepared for the next shoe drop.

In each pair of shoes we had slipped two messages, one encouraged staying in school because we believe that education opens up great possibilities and the other is to eat foods that keep them well because it is so important to make healthier food choices even from a young age. We do not know how many will heed us but we will keep trying and never lose hope.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

It was four years ago in September that CHOOSE TO CARE was created to provide for the under served. The idea of giving a brand new pair of shoes came about while vacationing abroad and witnessing so many young children walking barefooted in murky water and on hot grounds where broken bottles and garbage were strewn. When I investigated at home, the need was just as great nation-wide and I discovered that there are many organizations with the similar idea of providing a pair of shoes for those in need. I am happy that this small act has become a vital link to many not for profit organization working with the youth.

Each birthday WHETS MY APPETITE to do more and my soul is brimming with excitement as I plan each activity. Shopping for shoes bring great joy. Here is a sneak peak of how we will celebrate this coming of age.
~~ We have a shoe drop in a homeless shelter in Brooklyn on 9/20/2011; fifty-five youth will be the recipients.
~~ Still in the celebration mode, on Make A Difference Day, 10/22/2011 a national day put aside to do good in the community; we will celebrate the youth in action at the Vineyard International Christian Church in the Bronx. Proper foot care will be highlighted. We will spring into action with simple movements, introduce MyPlate, the federal government new food icon and offer tips on how to make great food choices, eat well and stay fit. A gift of a brand new pair of shoes is our giveaway for the day.

So although not full blown and still operating on a small scale, CHOOSE TO CARE continues to put its best foot forward as we reach yet another milestone.
"I slept and dreamt that
life was joy.
I woke and saw that
life was service.
I acted and behold,
service was joy."
Rabindranath Tagore